Ownership refers to the relationships of a First Nation community to its cultural knowledge, data, and information. Ownership asserts that a community, as a group, owns information collectively in the same way that an individual owns their personal information. This is distinct from concepts of stewardship.

Control asserts that First Nation people, their communities, and representative bodies must control how information about them is collected, used, and disclosed. This extends to all aspects of information management, from collection to use, disclosure, and ultimately, destruction of data.

Access determines that First Nations must have access to information and data about themselves and their community regardless of where it is held. It is within the rights of First Nation communities and organizations to manage and make decisions regarding who can access their information.

Possession reflects the state of stewardship of data. Possession is the mechanism to assert and protect ownership and control; possession puts data within First Nation jurisdiction and therefore, within First Nation control.

The challenges regarding the use of First Nation information stem from who is in control and how research and information governance are implemented.
Government officials, researchers, and non-First Nation organizations may or may not understand, support, or are aware of the aspirations and distinct worldview of First Nation people and communities.

The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) and Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre (AFNIGC) operate as data stewards committed to the protection of data guided by strict privacy protocols as well as the FNIGC Code of Research Ethics. Currently the data collected from RHS Phase 2 (2008/10) is stored at the FNIGC, and soon to be stored at the offices of the First Nations Alberta Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG) following the same strict protocols. The Alexander Data Centre has also been appointed as the backup server for data secured by AFNIGC.